While flying to an Operation Northern Watch mission an engine failure brought the aircraft down. Captain Michael A. Nelson Jr. ejected safely at 10:09 hours at 11 miles east of Batman, Turkey at 2,000 feet. Rescue was by a HH-60G from 305th RQS. The pilot heared a loud bang followed by a buzzing noise only 35 minutes after take-off. RPM decreased and FTIT increased. He attempted 9 airstarts without success. The cause of the crash was a failure of the number 4 bearing assembly.

Puff, The Magic Dragron...for those who where station at RMS AB. This A/C actual put out smoke from the exhaust no matter what engine it had installed in it. Due to some "unknown" crew dawg just wiping off/disregarding MCD inspection...Puff is no longer here with us.